Newborn Layette: A Four-Step Guide for New Parents

Having a baby is without a doubt one of the biggest and most exciting events in adults life. While it stirs up positive emotions, many parents find themselves uneducated in the baby clothing world. This is especially true when it comes to newborn layettes

However, making your newborn layette doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad experience. The job can be broken down, so we have created this checklist in order to help you manage the project. If you follow our instructions, in just four quick shopping trips you’ll have everything you need to welcome your little one home.

Leverage your baby registry (if you have one) around this list. Not only will this reduce the stress of having to choose items as you wander through the store, but it will also take a load off your mind to know that a quarter of your shopping is done.

Let’s get started.

Step1: The room Although most people equate a newborn layette with small items like diapers and shampoo, your new baby’s environment really begins with his or her room. A dedicated space with these essentials is necessary, even if your child is sharing a room: – A crib – A few mattress pads – 4 sets of crib sheets – 2 or 3 baby blankets for the crib – 2 or 3 receiving blankets, to be kept near the crib – A changing table – Orderless receptacle for diapers – Curtains or shades for the windows

Step 2: Bath items Although it may be tempting to skip this step and just use the products you already have at home, there are a couple of reasons why it’s worth buying some special bath products just for baby. Baby skin is very tender and delicate, and it can be sensitive to some common detergents. Babies are also more prone to skin infections and rashes than adults are, and many baby products contain ingredients that help combat this problem. With that in mind, here’s a suggested list of toiletry items for your newborn layette: – Diapers and wipes – Baby wash and/or shampoo – Baby lotion – Cornstarch powder – Soft acrylic washcloths – Towels for swaddling after drying the child after bathing – An infant bathtub, if desired – Infant nail clippers and comb

Step 3: Feeding items The feeding accessories you’ll need for your newborn layette will vary somewhat, depending on whether the infant will be breast-fed or not. Some first-time moms struggle with breast-feeding, so it’s probably a good idea to buy at least one of each of the following, so you have them available — just in case. You will need these for bottle feeding: – At least 4 complete bottles – Bottle brush – At least 8 burp cloths – Pediatrician-recommended formula

Even if you plan on breast-feeding, you’ll need a few items for your newborn layette. In addition to at least 8 burp cloths, prepare your layette with: – A box of nursing pads for mom – A breast pump and collection jars – At least two bottles that can be sterilized (for away-from-home feedings)

Step 4: Newborn clothes This may well be the most tricky step of assembling a newborn layette, because baby clothes come in different sizes. It’s not a bad idea to wait til a few weeks before the due date to start shopping. Not only will this give you ample opportunity to return or exchange them if they’re the wrong size (leave the tags on, just in case!), but it will also give you a better idea of how large the baby is likely to be at birth.

Knowing this, here is a checklist for your babies newborn layette: – 8 leotard onesies – 4 sleepers – About 6 pairs of socks – Sweater – At least 3 pairs of pants – Comfy knitted hat – One “dressy” outfit for occasions – Several bibs – Several plastic diaper covers

Depending on the climate in which you live, you may also need a brimmed hat for the sun, a winter jacket and insulated pants, or a parka for sub-zero days.

There are a number of additional things you can add to your layette. Parents purchase nursery toys such as baby monitors. Using these four lists, you’ll know for sure you have the basics covered.

About the Author

Goodnight Moon has fantastic children’s clothing. Check their online store out and get your child stylish clothing.